Graduation 2023, recent graduates celebrating

Adult Admissions

A Decision You Can Feel Good About

You want a better life for yourself and your family. We can help.

We’ve crafted academic programs and support resources to suit the needs of people like you who need to work or manage a family while earning a degree.

With flexible schedules, low tuition, and one-on-one advising, Southwestern Michigan College is a choice you can feel confident making. You can also apply at any time for spring, summer, or fall semesters. For more information or to answer specific questions, contact an adult recruiter.

CONTACT AN ADULT RECRUITER

APPLY FOR FREE

How to Become a Student

Follow the simple steps below to become an SMC student.

If at any point you’d rather talk to someone, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to help!

 

  • Apply for Admission

    Applying is easy, fast, and free. Fill out the online application here. You should receive a decision letter via email and/or mail in one to two weeks.

    If accepted, the decision letter will contain a link to your Admitted Student Portal, where you’ll find your login credentials for SMC Wired and your SMC email as well as the status of your FAFSA, transcript, and more.

  • Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships (Optional)

    The first step to getting most types of financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. We encourage you to do that early to get a better idea of how much it will cost.

    You can also apply for some of our hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships.

    Learn more about financial aid here.

  • Send Us Your Transcripts

    We will need final, official transcripts from your high school and from any colleges you have attended.

    To be eligible for admission, you must provide proof of high school completion in one of the following forms:

    • Final high school transcript
    • High school diploma
    • GED
    • Completion of a home school program


    Please note: individuals with a Certificate of Completion, Alternative Diploma, or equivalent high school status are not eligible for enrollment in a degree or certificate program.

    Work with your high school counselor and/or college records office to have transcripts sent directly to SMC.

    How to submit transcripts:

    • High school transcripts: Send ATTN: Admissions
    • College transcripts: Send ATTN: Records

    Learn more about transferring college credit to SMC.

  • Take Placement Tests (if needed)

    Placement tests help place you in the appropriate classes so that you don’t take classes in subjects you’ve already mastered or that are beyond your current skill level.
    You can come in to take placement tests anytime on either campus.

    Learn more about placement tests here.

  • Complete New Student Orientation

    Adult students have two options for completing orientation:

    1. Sign up for New Student Orientation to register for classes and get acquainted with the resources you need to succeed at SMC, OR

    2. Meet directly with an advisor in-person or via phone, email, or video chat to register for classes.

    Whichever option you choose, you should also complete the Part 1: Online Orientation module found here.

  • Pay Your Bill

    The final step to securing your place as an SMC student is paying your bill. Failure to pay by the payment deadline may result in losing your spot in housing and being dropped from your classes. 

    Learn more about billing and payment here.


    Payment Due Dates

    Fall Semester, Housing Students: July 15

    Fall Semester, Other Students: August 1

    Spring Semester: December 1

    Summer Semester: May 1

Other Action Items

  • Buy Books

    Buy books and course materials at the bookstore on the Dowagiac campus or at shopsouthwestern.com. Books can be shipped to your home for a small fee, or you can pick them up at either campus at no additional cost. Find the list of books and materials you need on SMC Wired under Student Resources > Bookstore or at shopsouthwestern.com. You will need your student ID to access course information and to use financial aid for payment.

  • Check Your SMC Email and SMC Wired

    All campus announcements and reminders will be sent to your SMC email or posted to Wired, SMC's online student portal. Checking these frequently is the best way to stay up-to-date with SMC events and your financial aid status. As a reminder, your first bill will be sent to your SMC email.

    Learn how to check your SMC email here.

Next Step Wednesdays

Interested in starting classes, but not sure about your next steps? We're here to help! Every Wednesday, we'll be offering flexible, extended services at both campus locations to help you apply, complete your FAFSA, submit transcripts, and more!

Sign up to let us know you're coming, then stop by when it's convenient for you.

 

Tuition Assistance For Adult Students

In addition to SMC scholarships, you'll want to be sure to check out state tuition assistance available to adult students, including:

Michigan Reconnect
Michigan Works!

Michigan Reconnect offers free or reduced tuition for residents 25 and older.

Programs in In-demand Fields

Start a degree that leads to a high-wage, in-demand career. SMC offers occupational, transfer, and fully online programs designed to help you reach your career goals. Choose from evening, online, and hybrid classes to balance school, work, and family.

View all our degree and certificate programs here.

 

Two Convenient Locations

Southwestern Michigan College has campuses in Dowagiac and Niles, so you can take classes in a location close to you.*

*Programs offered vary by location.

The commons area on the Niles Campus

Other Features

Free Tutoring

Library (Dowagiac Campus)

Payment Plan Options

Free Computer/Technology Support

Free Fitness Center

Free Parking

MI Works! Offices on the Niles Campus

Students studying near the fire place on the Niles Campus

Learn More

Emmanuel

Nursing Student

Visual and Performing Arts

School of Business

Jennifer

Nursing Student

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Aerial photo of Dowagiac Campus